The hearing was held on July 13, 2016, and was a timely discussion about researching the potential medical benefits of the Cannabis plant and its cannabinoid chemical components.Testimony was offered to the Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. I think that says it all when it comes to the dogged reluctance to putting the research we already have into wide spread medical use.

The hearing also addressed further removal of unnecessary barriers to research on cannabis and cannabinoids; especially, cannabidiol in the United States, where we like to think of ourselves as exceptional. An in the case of adopting medicinal cannabis, we are exceptionally resistant to health and wellness.

Founders of Western civilization were prehistoric dope dealers

It looks like the use of the cannabis plant is part of the march of civilization. A review of the data on cannabis in archaeology, links an intensification of cannabis use in East Asia with the rise of transcontinental trade at the dawn of the Bronze Age, some 5000 years ago.

That wonder weed cannabis keeps showing up in the story of who we are. People who understand how to take advantage of nature’s bounty. Medical and industrial researchers are both deep into the weeds, pun intended, with niche research applications for this plant.

Cannabis entered the archaeological record of Japan and Eastern Europe at almost exactly the same time, between about 11,500 and 10,200 years ago. A review of archaeological data links an intensification of cannabis use in East Asia with the rise of transcontinental trade at the dawn of the Bronze Age, some 5000 years ago.

While hemp is a commonly misunderstood ingredient—no thanks to its cousin marijuana—it offers a wide variety of both health and sustainability benefits.

Though future controversies may arise related to THC content and confusion over CBD, this increasingly popular ingredient has industry experts deeming hemp the industry’s next big star. ​
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This slide show was adapted from a presentation by Tom Vierhile, innovative insights director, Datamonitor Consumer, at Ingredient Marketplace 2015. The full presentation is also available to download.